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Torah: Numbers 4:21-7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25
Besorah: John 12:1-26

This week we look at Torah portion Nasso (Numbers 4:21–7:89), the longest in the Torah. It weaves together themes of dedication, holiness, blessing, and the importance of each person’s place in the community.

From the tasks of the Levites to the dramatic ritual of the Sotah, from the voluntary Nazirite vow to the majestic Priestly Blessing, every section calls us to reflect on how we set ourselves apart for God’s purposes. The Haftarah tells of Samson’s consecration from birth, while the Besorah reveals the power of surrender and service in Mary’s anointing of Yeshua.

At the heart of it all is this question: What does it mean to live a life fully given over to the Lord?

You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!

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Torah Portion Nasso: Numbers 4:21–7:89

Understanding the Portion

This portion begins with a continuation of the census, focusing on the Gershonite and Merarite families. Each clan had a specific responsibility in transporting parts of the Tabernacle. The text goes into detail about what each family was to carry, underscoring the sacredness of every task, no matter how ordinary it may have seemed.

Next come several critical instructions that maintain purity and holiness within the camp. These include the laws of restitution, where wrongs must be righted with both confession and compensation.

Then we encounter the Sotah ritual, a deeply uncomfortable yet symbolically powerful ceremony that addresses accusations of infidelity, designed to restore peace in marriage and uphold justice.

Next comes the Nazirite vow, where any man or woman could voluntarily consecrate themselves to God for a period of time. They abstained from wine, hair cutting, and contact with corpses. This vow created a space for intense personal devotion.

The portion climaxes with the Priestly Blessing—words that have echoed through centuries: “The Lord bless you and keep you…” These verses are among the most well-known in all of Scripture, spoken to convey divine favor and identity.

Finally, the leaders of each tribe bring their offerings for the dedication of the altar. Though each gift is the same, the Torah repeats them in full. This repetition reminds us that in God’s eyes, no offering is routine and every act of devotion is valued.

A Little Nugget

Numbers 6:27 says that when the priests bless Israel, they “put My Name upon the children of Israel.” Blessing isn’t just kind words—it is God placing His character and presence upon His people.

Application

This portion reminds us that nothing we do for God is too small to matter. Whether carrying boards, restoring a relationship, or offering a prayer, each act done with a pure heart becomes sacred. What part of your life do you need to reframe as holy work?

A Drash: The Quiet Power of Faithful Service

It’s easy to think that unless we’re in a spotlight, our service doesn’t count. But the Levites teach us something vital. Their job wasn’t flashy, but it was essential. The same is true for us. God sees the effort behind closed doors, the faithfulness in daily duties, and the sacrifice no one else applauds. You may never bring a public offering, but your life can be a daily act of worship.

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Haftarah: Judges 13:2–25

Understanding the Portion

This week’s Haftarah tells the story of the miraculous birth of Samson. His mother, initially barren, is visited by the Angel of the Lord who tells her she will give birth to a son who will be a Nazirite from the womb. She is commanded to avoid wine and unclean food during pregnancy, reflecting the set-apart nature of the child she is carrying.

Samson’s calling begins before his birth. Though his future is filled with struggle and complexity, the foundation is one of divine consecration. The Spirit of the Lord begins to stir in him while he is still young.

A Little Nugget

The Angel of the Lord ascends in the flame of the altar (Judges 13:20), leaving Manoah and his wife in awe. This dramatic sign reinforces the sanctity of the calling—and the reality that God sometimes moves in mysterious but unmistakable ways.

Application

You may not always understand your calling or your path, but if God has placed a purpose on your life, He will make a way. Your story may not be linear or simple, but it can still be sacred.

A Drash: Called Before We Understand

Samson wasn’t given a choice in his consecration. His identity as a Nazirite was declared by God. That reminds us that sometimes, God puts a calling on our lives that we don’t choose. We grow into it. We wrestle with it. And often, we fall short of it.

But that calling still stands. You may not feel like you measure up, but God’s faithfulness is not dependent on your perfection. It’s built on His purpose. When you feel unqualified or uncertain, remember—He called you knowing everything you would face.

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Besorah: John 12:1–26

Understanding the Portion

This passage captures a moment of deep intimacy and powerful symbolism. Yeshua returns to Bethany, where Lazarus has been raised from the dead. At the dinner table, Mary takes a pound of expensive perfume, anoints Yeshua’s feet, and wipes them with her hair.

This act is more than emotional—it is prophetic. She is preparing Him for burial, even as others celebrate. Judas protests, masking greed with false concern for the poor, but Yeshua defends her, revealing that this offering is a holy act of insight and devotion.

Then He teaches, saying, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.” He points toward His own death, calling His followers into a life of dying to self in order to truly live.

A Little Nugget

Mary’s perfume wasn’t just expensive—it was likely her inheritance or life savings. She poured it out without reserve. That kind of worship catches heaven’s attention.

Application

What are you holding back? Mary didn’t wait for a convenient moment to worship. She gave what she had, when she could. What would it look like for you to live that kind of poured-out faith?

A Drash: The Cost of Worship

Mary’s act of worship was costly, vulnerable, and misunderstood. But it was beautiful to Yeshua. We often hesitate to give extravagantly—of our time, our resources, our affection—because we’re afraid it won’t be appreciated. But worship is not for others. It’s for Him. Your offering may be criticized. It may not make financial sense.

But if it comes from love and surrender, it is precious to God. He remembers every tear, every dollar, every minute you give. Nothing poured out for Him is ever wasted.

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Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Hey (ה)

This week we look at the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet: Hey (ה). It’s a small letter with a big spiritual message—a reminder of the breath of God and the openness we are called to live with before Him.

The Basics of Hey

Sound: “H” as in “heart”
Numerical Value: 5
Appearance: Hey is formed with a dalet (ד) and a small yod (י), creating a sort of window or opening on the left side.

How Hey Is Written

ה

It resembles a doorway or a person standing in openness. There’s space—space to receive, space to hear, space to breathe.

Spiritual Meaning of Hey

Hey is often connected to revelation, breath, and presence. In the Hebrew language, God added the letter Hey to both Abram and Sarai’s names, transforming them into Abraham (אַבְרָהָם) and Sarah (שָׂרָה). This was not just a name change—it was the insertion of God’s Spirit into their identities.

Hey also plays a role in the divine name (יהוה). It appears twice in this sacred Name, suggesting that God is both present and breathing life into His creation.

The letter Hey also begins the word Hineni (הנני)—”Here I am”—a posture of readiness and surrender found in the words of Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and others who answered God’s call.

A Little Nugget

In Jewish tradition, Hey represents teshuvah (repentance) and humility. Its openness reminds us that God is always inviting us back into relationship—He leaves space for our return.

Application

This week, consider where God might be asking you to say “Hineni.” Where can you create space for Him to speak? Are you living in a way that allows His breath to move through your life?

Let Hey remind you that holiness begins with openness—to His voice, to His Word, to His Spirit. Holiness isn’t perfection. It’s making room for God.

Hebrew Course

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We Have Worship Songs!

You can now find She Opens Her Bible on your favorite music streaming service! This includes all of our kids’ songs!

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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

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